Trump Administration Revokes 2009 Executive Order on Chesapeake Bay Water Quality

The Trump administration has revoked a 2009 executive order that coordinated federal efforts to protect and restore the Chesapeake Bay region. The administration claims the order, which was signed by President Barack Obama in 2009, caused 'harmful economic impacts' and was too broad. The new approach orders certain federal and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency officials to coordinate with Chesapeake Bay watershed states, including Virginia, to assess stormwater management fee 'financial burdens' and encourage states to repeal such taxes.

The revocation signals a shift away from the long-standing federal restoration plan, with the administration stating the change will give states more control and cut down on costs. Leaders in Maryland have publicly pushed back against the move, stating they are not changing course on the issue. The administration noted that the new approach could provide over $100 billion in annual economic gains to the region.

The larger context involves the existence of a 2009 executive order that established a federal restoration effort for the Chesapeake Bay.